Psalm 111

This is one of the acrostic psalms (cf. Pss. 9, 10; 25; 34; 37; 112; 119; and 145). Each line in the Hebrew text begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The writer evidently expressed his thoughts this way so the Israelites could memorize and recite the psalm easily. He recounted the Lord's great works of redemption that should draw out His people's praise.

"Psalms 111-113 all begin with Hallelujah, and there is a specially close bond between 111 and 112. These two are . . . a matched pair in their subject-matter, which tells of God in this psalm, and of the man of God in the next, even sharing the same or similar phrases in one or two verses."¹⁸⁴

 1. Introductory praise 111:1-3

After a call to praise Yahweh, the unknown psalmist promised that he would praise God publicly. The greatness of God's works that those who love them study drew his praise. He also gloried in God's ceaseless righteousness.

 2. Praise for specific works 111:4-9

Verse 4 states the theme of this section. God graciously helped His people and consequently they remember to praise Him. Verses 5 and 6 cite examples of God's goodness. In verses 7-9 the writer praised God further for His redemption and His faithfulness.

 3. Concluding wisdom 111:10

The writer may have quoted Job 28:28, Proverbs 1:7 or 9:10, or Ecclesiastes 12:13.

"This famous saying is virtually the motto of the Wisdom writers, where its truth appears in various forms . . ."¹⁸⁵

In view of God's great acts and faithfulness, fearing Him is the better part of wisdom. Obedience expresses reverential trust. Continuing worship is also appropriate.

God's people should commit to memory the great characteristics and works of their God so they will remember to trust and obey Him.